add border/outline to transparent png – vegas

[Graham Bernard]

“… but I feel like there is a better way. “ Well, I can’t see a way if you already have a “graphic” of the arrow you are using. BUT if you are starting afresh with a “text” generated Arrow – here I’ve used a Webdings arrow – then straight away there are 2 no-brainer, single track options for you:-

Option 1] Standard Sony Text using the Webdings arrow set at whatever size you fancy, and apply an Outline to the arrow with your choice of colour. The drawback with is is that the BIGGER you make the Outline the more feathering is apparent, ‘cos that’s what it is supposed to do.

Option 2] I like this one! Using Protype Titler, also choose a Webdings arrow, but here in Titler you have far more control over size of the border (called “Stroke” here), and I can get a sharp border too, it doesn’t feather out. Just for your information I have got one that has a border (stroke) that is BIGGER than what it is surrounding! Very impressive.

So, this all depends on what your approach is going to be: EITHER, use the Graphic you have (is it a graphic, or is it a Text Arrow?) in which case it is the 2 track option or Photoshop OR ditch the arrow you have and use a Text Arrow with all the simplicity that one of the Generated Media TEXT functions that Vegas can easily supply.

It is up to you. But you have asked a great question that goes to the very core, poise and purpose of Vegas functionality and what it is you want to achieve with Vegas.

For my money, all these ways are beneficial – but it is the knowing how this stuff works with what we are left with and THAT is the REAL beneficial outcome – yeah?

Great question, and truly, thank you for asking it,

Grazie